2017 Michigan preseason camp: 5 quotes from Jim Harbaugh

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh met with reporters for the first time in preseason camp Friday night.

At Schembechler Hall, Harbaugh offered a bit of insight not just into Michigan’s quarterback competition, but also to the development of its younger players, the progression of its running backs and the athletic department’s decision to reinstate wide receiver Grant Perry to the team following his sentencing last week after Perry pled guilty to one felony count of resisting a police officer and one misdemeanor count of assault and battery, stemming from his arrest in October 2016.

Here’s some of what Harbaugh had to say. You can watch the entire interview session below.

On Michigan’s developing quarterbacks competition

“John and Wilton have really stepped up,” Harbaugh said. “They’ve created a little bit of separation. They’re battling now. It’s one with the 1s, and the next day the other is with the 1s, and with the 2s. But we’re keeping a very close eye on it.”

What having command of the offense means for a QB

“Just the process of knowing where all your players are. Knowing what the defense is trying to do to you, to take away or to get you. Being able to move the team. It’s reminders, another one. If a guy has a good command of the offense, he’ll give other guys reminders, like the running back or the fullback or a wide receiver or a tight end. He’s got it on the tip of his tongue and knows it cold. That’s how you command the offense.”

On Perry’s reinstatement

“I support [Michigan athletic director] Warde [Manuel] and his decision. It was never a good situation, from the very beginning.

“It’s good to have some resolution. Investigate it, prosecute it, adjudicate it in a court of law, where they have their day in court. I wouldn’t call it a good thing. We’ve already suspended him. We suspended him pretty severely. From games, from time around the football team. We’ll just follow the athletic department and university protocol.”

On Michigan’s returning running backs

“The backs, really good. Chris Evans, Karan [Higdon] has been really good. And Ty Isaac, the guy is so slippery, it’s unbelievable. He just bobs and weaves and tough to get down on the ground, and I just think really good things for him. And Kareem Walker is starting to assert himself.”

On Michigan’s punting and special teams

“Will Hart is really punting well, but Brad Robbins is the real deal! They’re neck and neck. I haven’t had a freshman punter punt as well as Brad Robbins had.

“[Long snapper] Camaron Cheeseman has done a fabulous job. You can physically see more velocity on his snaps. Quinn Nordin is really kicking well. [Kyle] Seychel is back in the mix, doing a good job. [Ryan] Tice could possibly fill in there.

‘It’s going to be a different punter, a different kickoff person and a different field goal guy who will handle those responsibilities.”